Some people open a business to make money. Dallas and Thomas opened Stones River Auto and Exhaust because they couldn’t stop caring.
For years, these two have been fixtures in the Franklin automotive community. They own and operate established auto repair shops there—shops built on the simple idea that people deserve honesty when it comes to their cars. No pressure. No games. Just straight answers and quality work.
And somewhere along the way, that reputation spread.
A Relationship with the Postal Service
One of the things Dallas and Thomas are most proud of is their long-standing relationship with the United States Postal Service. Keeping mail carriers on the road isn’t just a job—it’s a responsibility.
“Those trucks run hard,” Dallas says. “Rain, snow, summer heat—they’re out there every single day. The carriers depend on those vehicles to do their routes. When something breaks, it’s not just an inconvenience. It affects their whole day, their whole community. We take that seriously.”
Thomas agrees. “There’s something special about knowing you’re part of keeping the mail moving. It sounds small, but it’s not. People are waiting on medications, paychecks, letters from family. We’re a small piece of that, and we’re proud of it.”
That dedication to fleet work—postal vehicles, work trucks, vans—taught them how to work efficiently without cutting corners. Every vehicle matters. Every repair counts.
Exhaust Experts with Heart
Dallas and Thomas also built a reputation for exhaust work that goes beyond just bolting on parts.
“Exhaust systems are personal to me,” Dallas admits. “There’s an art to it. Getting the fit right, making sure there are no leaks, making sure it sounds the way it should. I’ve been doing this for decades, and I still take pride in every single job.”
Thomas laughs. “Dallas is the exhaust whisperer. Seriously. He can hear a rattle from across the parking lot and tell you exactly where it’s coming from.”
Why Murfreesboro?
Opening a new shop wasn’t something they took lightly. Dallas and Thomas have deep roots in Franklin. But they kept hearing the same thing from customers who’d moved east or had family in Rutherford County.
“People would say, ‘I wish you were closer,'” Thomas recalls. “Or they’d drive 45 minutes just to come to us because they didn’t trust anyone else. That got us thinking—maybe Murfreesboro needs what we do.”
Dallas adds: “It wasn’t about expanding for the sake of expanding. It was about bringing this same feeling—this same honesty—to a new community. Murfreesboro is growing fast. People here deserve a shop that treats them like family.”
The Same Values, A New Home
At Stones River Auto and Exhaust, you’ll find the same principles that built their Franklin shops:
- Honest assessments, even when it means less money for us
- Clear explanations in plain English
- Fair prices for quality work
- A team that genuinely cares about your safety
- The kind of service that makes you feel like a neighbor, not a number
“We’ve built something special in Franklin,” Thomas says. “Now we’re building it here. Same heart. Same standards. Just a new zip code.”
Dallas smiles. “We want people to walk out of here feeling good. Not just about their car, but about the experience. Like they found a place they can trust. That’s what this is all about.”
More Than a Shop
At the end of the day, Dallas and Thomas aren’t just business owners. They’re dads. They’re neighbors. They’re the guys who stay late to finish a job so someone can pick up their kids on time. They’re the ones who call you back to explain something they forgot to mention. They’re the ones who remember your name and ask about your family.
“Cars are what we fix,” Dallas says. “But people are why we do it.”
Welcome to Stones River Auto and Exhaust. We’re glad you’re here.
